Inside ‘Bridging Michigan’s Workforce Divide’ Special On CBS 62

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DETROIT (CBS 62) With seismic technology shifts and other changes sweeping through companies, schools and communities, what’s ahead for the state that put the world on wheels?

There’s a big-time talent gap, as those changes have helped fuel a divide between many workers and companies in manufacturing, information technology, healthcare and engineering, with reports of more than 63,000 jobs in Michigan unfilled right now. If nothing is done, this situation will worsen as baby boomers retire, leaving more voids in the job market with fewer young people prepared to step in.

Add in the brain drain of young talent and what’s left is a major league talent disconnect that could threaten Michigan’s future, which is why leaders from across the state including Gov. Rick Snyder, Quicken Loans Founder Dan Gilbert, Amway President Doug DeVos, Ford Chief Operating Officer Mark Fields, DTE Energy CEO Gerard Anderson, Northern Michigan University President David Haynes and others are channeling efforts to address this problem.

CBS 62 will showcase some of those programs in its latest “Eye On The Future” special, “Bridging Michigan’s Workforce Divide,” which airs at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 2, right before “60 Minutes.” The special will also talk with experts about where the good-paying jobs of today are and where they will be tomorrow.

“Bridging Michigan’s Workforce Divide” pairs the Emmy-winning “Eye on the Future” team of CBS 62 Senior Producer/Host Carol Cain and CBS 62 Chief Videographer Paul Pytlowany as they travel the state to show viewers what is taking place in Detroit, Grand Rapids and Marquette to repair this disconnect.

“WWJ-TV is proud to have been in the forefront of showcasing issues and opportunities for the state of Michigan through our ‘Eye’ specials,” said Tom Canedo, vice president/general manager of CBS 62/CW50.

“As Michigan continues its economic recovery, this topic was a logical and necessary next installment in that series,” Canedo added.